Born on September 28, 1908, in Röhrsdorf, near Chemnitz, Steyer went to work right out of elementary school straightening needles on knitting machines (Nadelrichter für Strickmaschinen). After his retirement, Steyer pursued painting as a hobby. Using aquarelles, he created a vivid record of his Nazi-era experiences. In the 1970s, he completed the chronological Buchenwald Series from his memories, printed pictures and personal photographs of the former camp.

The artist chose to use bright colors, perhaps reflecting the hope and optimistic yearning that infused his Christian faith. Steyer left his watercolor autobiography to the Wachtturm-Gesellschaft History Archive in Selters/Taunus, Germany. He died at the age of 90 on March 1, 1998.